How do I access Loon Lake/Ferndale?

Loon Lake/Ferndale is a public boat ramp in Montana. There is no entrance fee.

What activities are available at Loon Lake/Ferndale?

Loon Lake/Ferndale supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.

What amenities are at Loon Lake/Ferndale?

On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.

When is the best time to visit Loon Lake/Ferndale?

The best time to paddle at Loon Lake/Ferndale is during summer. June through August

What are the water conditions at Loon Lake/Ferndale?

Water conditions at Loon Lake/Ferndale include calm, sheltered.

Is Loon Lake/Ferndale good for beginners?

Yes, Loon Lake/Ferndale is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

body of water near mountain during daytime

Photo by Michael Bruder on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingSUPKayak FishingBeginner

Conditions

LakeCalmSheltered

Amenities

Boat RampParking

Best Time to Visit

Summer

Loon Lake/Ferndale

Bigfork, MT · Boat Ramp · Public

Loon Lake/Ferndale is a public boat ramp on Loon Lake near Bigfork, Montana. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. Best visited in summer.

At a Glance

Water Body

Lake

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP, Kayak Fishing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Good

Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

About This Location

Boat Ramp accessing Loon Lake near Bigfork, Montana. calm and sheltered conditions.

Loon Lake/Ferndale provides shoreline access to Loon Lake in Montana, making it a solid choice for a day on the water.

This is a solid spot for kayaking, with enough room to settle into a comfortable paddling rhythm. Canoeing works well here, especially for those looking for a peaceful day on the water. Mountain waterways in the Rockies run cold and clear, fed by snowmelt and alpine runoff.

Conditions here tend to be calm and sheltered, making it suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. Plan your visit for June through August. Facilities include boat ramp and parking.

At about 5 min from Bigfork, Loon Lake/Ferndale is a practical choice for paddlers based in the Bigfork area.

New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.

Calm lake waters make Loon Lake/Ferndale ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:

Kayaks →Life Jackets →Paddles →

Paddling Tips

•Keep an eye on the weather — afternoon winds can pick up quickly on open water.
•Hug the shoreline for the most interesting scenery and easier paddling.
•Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot submerged obstacles.
•If fishing, try the coves and points where fish tend to congregate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Loon Lake/Ferndale?: Loon Lake/Ferndale is a public boat ramp in Montana. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Loon Lake/Ferndale?: Loon Lake/Ferndale supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Loon Lake/Ferndale?: On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Loon Lake/Ferndale?: The best time to paddle at Loon Lake/Ferndale is during summer. June through August
What are the water conditions at Loon Lake/Ferndale?: Water conditions at Loon Lake/Ferndale include calm, sheltered.
Is Loon Lake/Ferndale good for beginners?: Yes, Loon Lake/Ferndale is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 48.0259, -113.9905